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GTECH Calibration
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P1680

Driver 5.

  • Saturn
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • Medium severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
6
AreaComputer and output circuits
80
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

On a Saturn, P1680 is logged as 'Driver 5', which points to a fault in one of the control module's internal output driver circuits. The module saw the output driver's current or voltage differ from what it commanded, such as an open circuit, a short to ground or a short to voltage. Which component sits on driver 5 depends on the model, engine and year, so the wiring diagram for the specific car must be checked.

Symptoms

  • Malfunction indicator lamp on
  • Component or system controlled by driver 5 not working or working erratically
  • Possible poor running, hesitation or poor drivability, depending on what the driver controls
  • Other output or driver codes stored alongside it
  • Fault may come and go, especially with vibration or temperature change

Possible causes

  • Faulty or shorted actuator, relay or solenoid on the circuit controlled by driver 5, pulling the driver outside its normal rangelikely
  • Wiring fault on the driver 5 output circuit: chafed, open or shorted to ground or voltagelikely
  • Corroded, loose or damaged connector terminals at the component or control modulepossible
  • Poor power or earth supply to the control module or to the controlled componentpossible
  • Internal fault in the control module's output driverpossible
  • Water ingress or heat damage affecting the module or its connectorsrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored and pending codes and record the freeze frame data, noting any other driver or circuit codes.
  2. Look up the wiring diagram and service information for the specific model, engine and year to identify which component driver 5 controls.
  3. Visually inspect the wiring and connectors for that circuit for chafing, corrosion, water ingress, bent pins and heat damage.
  4. Check the battery condition, charging voltage, and the fuses, relay and earth connections feeding the module and the component.
  5. Measure the resistance of the controlled component and compare it with the specification in the service information.
  6. With the connectors unplugged, test the circuit for continuity and for shorts to ground and to voltage.
  7. Clear the code and road test or operate the component to see whether the fault returns, and watch live data while doing so.
  8. If the wiring and component test good and the code persists, check for a calibration update and have the control module tested before replacing it.

How to fix

  • Replace the faulty actuator, solenoid or relay once testing has confirmed it is the cause.
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring, and clean or replace corroded or damaged connector terminals.
  • Restore good power and earth supplies, and replace any blown fuse only after finding what caused it to blow.
  • Apply any available control module software update if the service information lists it as a fix for this code.
  • Repair or replace the control module, and have it programmed to the vehicle where required, only after the circuit and component are proven good.

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven for a short time, but the effect depends on what driver 5 controls. Get it diagnosed soon, and stop driving if it runs badly or other warning lights appear.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

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